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FTC SCAM ALERT: Crooks Use Clever E-mail Schemes To Defraud Millions of People

By  //  October 26, 2015

tips for dealing with phishing emails

Crooks use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year. They often combine sophisticated technology with age-old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information. They add new twists to old schemes and pressure people to make important decisions on the spot. One thing that never changes: they follow the headlines — and the money. Stay a step ahead with the latest info and practical tips from the nation’s consumer protection agency. Browse FTC scam alerts by topic or by most recent. (Shutterstock image)
Crooks use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year. They often combine sophisticated technology with age-old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information. They add new twists to old schemes and pressure people to make important decisions on the spot. One thing that never changes: they follow the headlines — and the money. Stay a step ahead with the latest info and practical tips from the nation’s consumer protection agency. Browse FTC scam alerts by topic or by most recent. (Shutterstock image)

Did you ever get an email that seemed legit, but it asked you to click a link or give up some personal information?

Well, if you play massive multiplayer online games, be warned: phishers are looking for ways to get those emails into your inbox.

Here’s how it goes: You get an email warning your account is about to be suspended.

The reason? The email says “you tried to sell your in-game character or virtual goods for real money.”

It claims the gaming company may sue you for as much as $2,700 if you ignore the notice and continue selling virtual goods for real money.

If you want to check the status of your account or challenge the suspension, the email tells you to click a link and fill in a “verification” page.

In fact, it’s all a trap to try to steal your personal info, like your account or credit card numbers.

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It can be hard to tell what’s a scam and what’s legit, especially when an email uses logos or company names.

Here are a few tips for dealing with emails like this:

• Don’t reply and don’t click on links or call phone numbers provided in the message

• If you’re concerned the message is legit, search for the company’s real contact information on your own and reach out to them yourself

• Use security software from a trusted source and set it to update automatically

• Don’t open attachments or download files from unexpected emails; they may have viruses that can harm your computer.

If you ever feel like a message you get is a scam — or if you are unsure — talk about it with family and friends, especially before giving out personal information or sending money. We’ve got more about spotting and reporting phishing messages.

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